Wingsuit Large Formation Record Procedures

Judge’s self-study guide

Introduction

Judging of wingsuit records is a rapidly evolving process. It is also a highly technical process requiring knowledge of graphics software. The purpose of this study guide is to acquaint judges with the general process in order to ensure a minimum standard of consistency.

References

Requirements

In order to judge any wingsuit record, the following are required for the judges to have available:

An FAI or National Wingsuit Judge must be physically present on the drop zone at the time of the attempt.

A written list of all jumpers on the attempt (Name in full, Nationality, Sporting License NAC and number).

A written plan and/or description of the formation, to be handed over before the actual attempt.

Video of the skydive from exit through break-off.

A high-resolution digital photograph of the completed formation. (10Mpx minimum).

The authorized Grid file.

Digital imaging software capable of applying a layer over the photograph and allowing independent motion of the layer. (Photoshop and Lightroom are two such programs available, but are not the only ones.)

A computer capable of handling the software and the photograph. (Processing power is important).

Procedures

Prior to the skydive:

1. Validate eligibility of all participants

Upon completion of the skydive:

1. The judge(s) present should view the video for purposes of assuring continuity.

2. Open the digital photograph in the imaging software. For purposes of this course, Photoshop was used and all software references will be within that platform. Allowances should be made of variations of software platforms.

3. Open the Grid in the imaging software.

4. Verify the image size and resolution of the photograph

5. Change the image size and resolution of the grid to match the resolution and shortest dimension of the photograph.

6. Drag the grid onto the photograph as a layer. All further work will be done with this layer and NOT with the base photograph.

7. Evaluate the “virtical angle” of the photograph. The angle drawn from the camera to the formation must be "a steep vertical perspective" not exceed 20 degrees from the vertical.

8. Drag the grid into a rough relationship with the formation as shown, roughly aligning the individual squares with the jumpers.
9. Fine-tune the grid overlay. Scale, Move(Drag) and Rotate commands are the only options available, with some restrictions:
10. Use the Nudge tool (arrow keys) to make pixel-by-pixel changes.
11. If the record passes the criteria, two versions should be saved;

a. The full file with the layers intact (a .PSD file or equivalent), and;
b. A “completed” image which has been flattened into a single layer (.JPG or similar)

12. All relevant materials should then be packaged (physically or electronically) and submitted to the NAC and/or FAI for ratification.

Conclusion

Compared to other judging methods, this one is highly technical. Unless you are familiar with specific functions of imaging software, you will need practice to use this method effectively and consistently. Enclosed in the packet is a series of both completed images and un-judged images. Please take the time to review the completed images and also to practice on the un-judged images.